Possibility for the member states to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs

Details

13 January 2015

The SNP are opposed to the cultivation of GM crops in Scotland: in addition to uncertainties about the long term environmental effects, Scottish farming relies on a reputation for quality and environmental sensitivity, and we must not jeopardise consumer confidence in any way.

We cannot support this legislation as it is designed to promote the spread of GM crops in Europe. It was proposed with the implicit understanding that Member States who banned GM crops on their territory would drop their opposition to authorisation at the EU level.

I voted against. because this law would not provide enough safeguards to keep Scotland GM-free. The anti-contamination measures would not apply to the border between England and Scotland, which is a serious concern because England will cultivate GM crops. This deal would not prevent the circulation of GM products in Scotland, and does nothing on GM labelling. We should focus instead on reforming the EU's environmental risk assessment and uthorisation process, to reflect the opposition of a majority of Member States and Europe's citizens to the imposition of GM technology.